Transformation and refurbishment of the Grade II listed former Shell-Mex House to a new workplace that connects with Covent Garden and is oriented towards people, comfort and wellbeing values.

The progressive approach for the transformation and refurbishment of this half a million square foot, Grade II listed, landmark building reflects the change and distance travelled in how we work in the years since it first opened in 1932. With our thinking accelerated by the pandemic, the purpose of a building in which we work is about providing an environment where staff are happy and want to stay.

Although the original architecture makes an imposing, impression on the river Thames, it is the opposite direction that draws this new thinking. As Covent Garden riverside, Eighty Strand aims to entice people in to enjoy the beautiful heritage spaces and places to linger and work in an informal, flexible and connected way.

The new concept transforms the former vehicle and worker arrival space into an uplifting, yet tranquil courtyard with an eye-catching glass pavilion that can be glimpsed from the Strand. The insertion sets off a series of double height welcoming spaces which lead through to cafes and break out landscaped spaces in a second courtyard. Inserted here is a Glasshouse Garden with water features and a green wall for biodiversity.

The project also includes the complete refurbishment of four floors of office accommodation, some 160,000 sq ft. Heating systems here will be improved and secondary glazing added to improve the building fabric. The refurbishment is targeting a BREEAM Very Good rating for the office levels. In response to Covid-19 ventilation rates will increase, MEP was recently replaced.

Practical amenities for all tenants include parking for 406 cycles along with ‘hotel quality’ changing facilities. Other facilities are electric charge points, showers, lockers, towel service and bike maintenance workshop.
The adapt and repurpose approach will reset this heritage icon, transforming it for the twenty first century: oriented towards people, comfort and wellbeing values.

This building has the capacity for approximately 6,000 people. This is a real community which the client aims to welcome and feel ‘at home’ in this otherwise monumental office construction. To achieve this intent, the brief has been carefully thought through to transform spaces that felt rather institutional and fitted for a 1930’s office culture into a 2020’s lifestyle, as offices have now become places to live rather than just places to work. The combination of facilities for cyclists, beer yard, reception, café and pavilions are all designed towards meeting lifestyle needs and represent a once in 100 year’s upgrade.